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Mac 'n' Ivy #1
Something Buried, Something Blue
Ivy Malone and Mac MacPherson have been circling the idea of marriage for some time (see the five books in the Ivy Malone Mysteries series), and now they've made the Big Decision. They're getting married! Except there is the problem of that dead body - and a killer who's willing to bring their plans to a screeching halt.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2016
132 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 4, 2017
LOL Ivy Malone stole my heart way back when I met her in "Invisible." Older and independent, feisty and smart, she was everything I wanted to be when I grew older. She used her LOL invisibility (that's little old lady in case you were wondering) to go mostly unnoticed and solve mysteries. Along the way she met a special friend named "Mac" and after several books, they decided they were in love and wanted to get married. That is where this book begins.
A wedding at any age means planning and meeting the family. Ivy and Mac turned up at his son Dan's house in Montana, and no sooner had Ivy met the family but wife Melanie was planning the wedding details and their daughter Elle was planning adventures with Grandpa and Ivy. In the course of planning, Mac and Ivy go to see a local man Dan was friends with, who might want to sell his ranch. Finding the man dead at the bottom of the stairs is the beginning of a whirlwind of adventure including a real treasure hunt, getting shot at, pushed into a well, and more! It is an exciting mystery wrapped in another mystery.
You won't want to miss this first book of the new series especially if you have read the Ivy Malone series. Ms McCourtney's writing is face paced without rushing, and told alternately from Mac's viewpoint and Ivy's viewpoint. If you haven't read the first series, you owe it to yourself to read that in order to get the full background for this story. Besides all the back story, you will have buckets of giggles and laughs. You will also have a full appreciation for Ivy and all she is capable of doing, as well as meeting Mac throughout the series. I think you will appreciate this new series more with the information.
A wedding at any age means planning and meeting the family. Ivy and Mac turned up at his son Dan's house in Montana, and no sooner had Ivy met the family but wife Melanie was planning the wedding details and their daughter Elle was planning adventures with Grandpa and Ivy. In the course of planning, Mac and Ivy go to see a local man Dan was friends with, who might want to sell his ranch. Finding the man dead at the bottom of the stairs is the beginning of a whirlwind of adventure including a real treasure hunt, getting shot at, pushed into a well, and more! It is an exciting mystery wrapped in another mystery.
You won't want to miss this first book of the new series especially if you have read the Ivy Malone series. Ms McCourtney's writing is face paced without rushing, and told alternately from Mac's viewpoint and Ivy's viewpoint. If you haven't read the first series, you owe it to yourself to read that in order to get the full background for this story. Besides all the back story, you will have buckets of giggles and laughs. You will also have a full appreciation for Ivy and all she is capable of doing, as well as meeting Mac throughout the series. I think you will appreciate this new series more with the information.
November 28, 2016
Thank you, Lorena McCourtney, for giving us another adventure with Ivy Malone. And her fiance, Mac MacPherson, of course. I love this LOL (little old lady) and her zany curiosity gene that never fails to get her into trouble, if trouble doesn't find her first. I'm looking forward to many more in this series.
November 8, 2017
The writing was a bit choppy and I didn't like Mac's voice in his chapter. however, Mac and ivy together at last!
September 26, 2024
Sweet
A clean murder mystery anyone can read. It was a bit like "Murder She Wrote" not embarrassing at all and a humorously written story. The story is definitely a comedy. The characters are bold and a little too loud to be realistic. Keep that in mind if you choose to read it or you'll get a head ache from rolling your eyes.
A clean murder mystery anyone can read. It was a bit like "Murder She Wrote" not embarrassing at all and a humorously written story. The story is definitely a comedy. The characters are bold and a little too loud to be realistic. Keep that in mind if you choose to read it or you'll get a head ache from rolling your eyes.
April 9, 2021
Wonderful & refreshing
Love that Mac & Ivy approach to the suspense to the plot. Enjoyed all the new characters to the story....
Love that Mac & Ivy approach to the suspense to the plot. Enjoyed all the new characters to the story....
July 1, 2018
I have loved the Ivy Malone series and am so glad that Ms. McCourtney decided to continue the story line, even if a different series.
Mac and Ivy parted company and it was a sad day all around in the last book. But both realized how important the other was to them and unbeknownst to the other, set out to reunite. I don't believe it is a spoiler to tell you that they did!
They decide to get married, but the problem is where to live as both have sold their motor homes and Ivy sold her house. But there is a property close to Mac's son that should be up for sale soon, and it's perfect. Except for one thing. The owner died before an offer could be made. And Mac and Ivy think it's a bit suspicious when there are two other couples interested in buying the property from the never-before-heard-of stepdaughter who appears right after the body was found.
I love that Ivy, although very curious, is unlike other female protagonists and is sensible enough to not go traipsing off by herself when it is clear to the reader that danger lurks. I think that is part of what draws me to Ivy - her maturity keeps her from doing really stupid things.
Because this is a cozy mystery, I don't think it's bad to tell you that all turns out well, although not quite in the way you might have expected. I look forward to the next Mac 'n' Ivy Mystery.
Mac and Ivy parted company and it was a sad day all around in the last book. But both realized how important the other was to them and unbeknownst to the other, set out to reunite. I don't believe it is a spoiler to tell you that they did!
They decide to get married, but the problem is where to live as both have sold their motor homes and Ivy sold her house. But there is a property close to Mac's son that should be up for sale soon, and it's perfect. Except for one thing. The owner died before an offer could be made. And Mac and Ivy think it's a bit suspicious when there are two other couples interested in buying the property from the never-before-heard-of stepdaughter who appears right after the body was found.
I love that Ivy, although very curious, is unlike other female protagonists and is sensible enough to not go traipsing off by herself when it is clear to the reader that danger lurks. I think that is part of what draws me to Ivy - her maturity keeps her from doing really stupid things.
Because this is a cozy mystery, I don't think it's bad to tell you that all turns out well, although not quite in the way you might have expected. I look forward to the next Mac 'n' Ivy Mystery.
November 3, 2020
What a delightful, continuing cozy mystery series!!
I have been a fan of Ms McCourtney for years, and Ivy Malone is a favorite sleuth. So I am thrilled to take a unique bend in the road with this series! If you haven’t read all the Ivy books you can still read Mac n Ivy Mysteries and catch on pretty well. But I highly recommend starting from the beginning with Ivy Malone.
This series continues to entertain through laughter, suspense, and the adventures of travel! This blend of spiritual inspiration, situational comedy, and romance mixed with outlandish murder and suspense is such a delicate balance, but Ms McCourtney strikes it so well!
After several books in the series, she hasn’t run out of ideas yet, and I don’t expect she will. Curl up and start your journey. Ivy’s adventures only improve with her LOL age. ;)
I have been a fan of Ms McCourtney for years, and Ivy Malone is a favorite sleuth. So I am thrilled to take a unique bend in the road with this series! If you haven’t read all the Ivy books you can still read Mac n Ivy Mysteries and catch on pretty well. But I highly recommend starting from the beginning with Ivy Malone.
This series continues to entertain through laughter, suspense, and the adventures of travel! This blend of spiritual inspiration, situational comedy, and romance mixed with outlandish murder and suspense is such a delicate balance, but Ms McCourtney strikes it so well!
After several books in the series, she hasn’t run out of ideas yet, and I don’t expect she will. Curl up and start your journey. Ivy’s adventures only improve with her LOL age. ;)
May 4, 2022
A bit slow for my taste, but still good. Ivy and Mac finally tied the knot. The wedding was definitely something to be desired and everything that could go wrong did and then some. However, after the “I now pronounce you husband and wife…”, a random man in overalls started up his Weed Eater in celebration with the “Praise the Lord! and “yee-haw!” Haha. What a day!
I do admit that a few times I was nervous for what would happen next and if I hadn’t been reading and instead listening to this book, I’d have closed my eyes until the particular suspenseful part passed. Talk about anxiety! Well, as always, the lord pulled through and got the couple out of trouble. Praise Jesus!
Ok, remembering all of that, I am going to see my four stars and raise another. Five stars it is!
Next in this four book series is “Detour: The Mac ‘n’ Ivy Mysteries, Book 2”.
I do admit that a few times I was nervous for what would happen next and if I hadn’t been reading and instead listening to this book, I’d have closed my eyes until the particular suspenseful part passed. Talk about anxiety! Well, as always, the lord pulled through and got the couple out of trouble. Praise Jesus!
Ok, remembering all of that, I am going to see my four stars and raise another. Five stars it is!
Next in this four book series is “Detour: The Mac ‘n’ Ivy Mysteries, Book 2”.
March 5, 2019
Ivy and Mac are going to get married, finally. They are in Montana with Mac's son Dan. Dan has told them that there is a ranch possibly for sale that they should check into. When Mac decides to see the owner on his own, Dan warns that he's a mean old guy who shoots first and asks questions later. When Dan gets there, no one seems to be home. Dan goes in the open door and finds the owner dead at the bottom of his basement steps. It is termed an accident but Ivy has other thoughts.
I loved this start to the new Ivy and Mac series. I've always enjoyed Ivy's antics and now she has Mac to help. I'm looking forward to the next one, the characters are always fun to get to "know".
I loved this start to the new Ivy and Mac series. I've always enjoyed Ivy's antics and now she has Mac to help. I'm looking forward to the next one, the characters are always fun to get to "know".
February 2, 2026
LOL for LOL in this clever novel!
As a lady of a certain age myself, I can relate to the seemingly universal situation of being invisible in most settings these days.
However, the main character in this series is a spitfire with curiosity gene! And luckily, her beau is learning to look for clues everywhere they go!
Written with humor & "age appropriate" situations & tribulations, the reader can laugh along with each predicament! The characters are so relatable or occasional a bit over the top!
A fun LOL read when you just need to take a break, destress, or unwind while unraveling a mystery or two.
As a lady of a certain age myself, I can relate to the seemingly universal situation of being invisible in most settings these days.
However, the main character in this series is a spitfire with curiosity gene! And luckily, her beau is learning to look for clues everywhere they go!
Written with humor & "age appropriate" situations & tribulations, the reader can laugh along with each predicament! The characters are so relatable or occasional a bit over the top!
A fun LOL read when you just need to take a break, destress, or unwind while unraveling a mystery or two.
August 10, 2020
Mystery and Family Friendly Reading
These mysteries with Ivy and Mac are fun. I never get tired of Lorena McCourtney. Her writing is upbeat, witty, and interesting. Her stories keep me involved with gentle romance, humor, and clean dialogue, with inspiration added in. Some of Ivy's antics seem to be on the border of improbable for a little old lady, but it's fun to imagine how it would happen. I think the story being a bit outlandish at times was intentional. Excellent series.
These mysteries with Ivy and Mac are fun. I never get tired of Lorena McCourtney. Her writing is upbeat, witty, and interesting. Her stories keep me involved with gentle romance, humor, and clean dialogue, with inspiration added in. Some of Ivy's antics seem to be on the border of improbable for a little old lady, but it's fun to imagine how it would happen. I think the story being a bit outlandish at times was intentional. Excellent series.
July 1, 2021
LOL (Little Old Lady) Ivy and love of her life Mac are headed for marriage and maybe the purchase of a ranch as a new home. But when they arrive to meet the owner, they find him lying dead at the bottom of the basement stairs. Was it an accident or murder? Was the victim really D. B. Cooper, the famous skyjacker thief? The stepdaughter who suddenly appears on the scene believes so and hires/forces Mac and Ivy to search for the $200,000 he stole. The two of them don't know who to believe as the hunt continues. Above it all is the excitement of the imminent wedding but first comes danger.
November 25, 2021
I LOVE Ivy! I love the descriptions Ms. McCourtney gives of Ivy: possum gray hair, she's an LOL--that's little old lady! And because she's a little old lady, she's invisible! But now she's met her new happily ever in Mac MacPherson. As they finally decided they should get married, a few things stop their progress--you know, like murder! These books are so down to earth yet very creative and while being murder mysteries are not grim or gross. I guess I like it so much because I myself am a LOL :D
April 19, 2018
This is my favorite of Lorena McCourtney’s books featuring Ivy Malone. I enjoyed the humor, the eccentricities, and of course the mysteries. Loved the inclusion of a real-life mystery, about which I’d previously read news articles. (I won’t give any spoilers.) That was a great touch. And I can personally attest to the fact that Ivy's adventures are good choices for mothers and daughters who like to read aloud to each other, and who enjoy quirky characters, clean reads, and happy endings.
April 9, 2021
Good....
but not as funny as the previous series. Mac & Ivy find themselves trying to solve an age old mystery days before their wedding. Death or was it murder at the ranch they hope to buy has put a big complication in the wedding plans.
I think the storyline dragged on with lots of side plots and characters. Could have just been me of course. I’d have given the book 3.5 stars but raised it rather than lowered as I like Mac & Ivy. More books in the series. Clean read.
but not as funny as the previous series. Mac & Ivy find themselves trying to solve an age old mystery days before their wedding. Death or was it murder at the ranch they hope to buy has put a big complication in the wedding plans.
I think the storyline dragged on with lots of side plots and characters. Could have just been me of course. I’d have given the book 3.5 stars but raised it rather than lowered as I like Mac & Ivy. More books in the series. Clean read.
March 9, 2018
This was a joy to read. I'm an Ivy Malone fan and was so excited to see this new book. Mac & Ivy are finally tying the knot, but not without a dead body and a mystery to figure out. There's also a little chuckle about the LOL and her wedding attire at the end of the story. Looking to more Mac & Ivy tales.
September 15, 2019
Another great Ivy mystery, but with Mac as narrator for some chapters. That was a fun mix up, to see the story from his perspective. I loved the bit of historical fiction that was thrown into the story. It made the plot very exciting. As always, the Christian perspective and the strong women make these books very enjoyable and encouraging to read!
November 12, 2016
Another Hit!
Lorena has done it again. Another book I simply could not put down! Thank you, Lorena for you new line of books staring Ivy and Mac. I loved it. So when is book #2 coming out? Looking forward to it.
Lorena has done it again. Another book I simply could not put down! Thank you, Lorena for you new line of books staring Ivy and Mac. I loved it. So when is book #2 coming out? Looking forward to it.
July 4, 2017
Great start of new series from Lorena McCourtney!
Ivy Malone and Mac MacPherson continue they're senior sleuthing but this time as an engaged couple. Great continuation (or beginning) of the Ivy Malone series.
Ivy Malone and Mac MacPherson continue they're senior sleuthing but this time as an engaged couple. Great continuation (or beginning) of the Ivy Malone series.
July 14, 2017
LOL (little old lady), Ivy and Mac are finally getting married. This first book of the series picks up where the Ivy series left off. Of course there is a murder, Koop the cat, and more unusual characters. Oh yes, there is the search for the missing money from the D. B. Cooper skyjacking.
September 13, 2017
Loved it!
The Ivy Malone stories are always a treat. A fabulous mix of humor, mystery and faith.
I would probably recommend mostly for women, but might be fun to read together as a couple. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
The Ivy Malone stories are always a treat. A fabulous mix of humor, mystery and faith.
I would probably recommend mostly for women, but might be fun to read together as a couple. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
October 28, 2018
You must be writing about me LOL
Other than beeping in danger Ivy has my life. I would love to be able to travel all over the state's in a motorhome and have great adventures. Reading about Ivy and Mac makes me smile.
Other than beeping in danger Ivy has my life. I would love to be able to travel all over the state's in a motorhome and have great adventures. Reading about Ivy and Mac makes me smile.
March 10, 2019
Sweet cozy mystery
If you’re familiar with the Ivy Malone series, this one is just as good. I really like a cozy mystery, no bad language, no adult situations, no blood and gore. Just a good “Who done it”.
If you’re familiar with the Ivy Malone series, this one is just as good. I really like a cozy mystery, no bad language, no adult situations, no blood and gore. Just a good “Who done it”.
December 23, 2019
I love Ivy
I was hoping there would be more IV books, and there are! It’s so much fun to read about someone who is at least as old as I am, and see her being energetic, curious, brave strong and faithful!
I was hoping there would be more IV books, and there are! It’s so much fun to read about someone who is at least as old as I am, and see her being energetic, curious, brave strong and faithful!
January 6, 2022
Finally married
Mac and lvy have finally tied the knot but not without first finding a dead body, a search for lost money, and a run in with mysterious neighbors. All problems this mighty lol is able to overcome.
Mac and lvy have finally tied the knot but not without first finding a dead body, a search for lost money, and a run in with mysterious neighbors. All problems this mighty lol is able to overcome.
April 22, 2022
A good murder mystery read
I love these characters, the family. They are fun. A lot of mystery and suspense. I hope to find out what the meaning is behind the tattoo in the next book in the series.
I love these characters, the family. They are fun. A lot of mystery and suspense. I hope to find out what the meaning is behind the tattoo in the next book in the series.
February 2, 2023
I would say this was 3.5 stars for me. I found the author's choice of using two different characters' point of view a little hard to get used to at first. But I do really love Mac and Ivy and the mystery was great.
May 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Can hardly wait for the next Mac 'n' Ivy mystery!
August 20, 2017
Another great book about Ivy Malone. I am so glad her story didn't end. I did find Ivy second guessing herself in this book which I don't feel is her usual gutsy self.
July 15, 2018
I love Lorena McCourtney books1 They are easy reads with light comedy spread throughout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews